Clapham Cricket News

CLAPHAM NEWS
 
The Clapham Monday /Tuesday League

This league was comfortably won by 12th Men, who did, however, suffer a loss late in the season to strong finishers Things arent as dim. This strong finish by Things set up a "winner takes all" encounter with the Griffin on the final day of the season. A century opening stand between Darren Russo and Trevor Fuller set the tone for Things, who managed to put a daunting 170 on the board and turn the pressure onto the Griffin. The high required rate proved too much for the Griffin, and despite a typically defiant 50 from moody Ian Hart, the early loss of other key batsmen John Elford meant that the chase was always unlikely.

The Panthers managed a couple of late season victories, but this was too little too late for them. Perhaps if key bowler Andrew Reed had been unleashed earlier in the season things may have gone differently for the Kiwis.Swansea Fine Legs' season finished early, and they will be disappointed as this doesn't reflect their ability. The lack of players in the early season games was always going to cost the side points, and indeed they were unable to recover from this. A special mention, however, must go to Rohit Benjamin who was consistently the best bowler in the league.
 
The Clapham Wed/ Thurs League

This league had its troubles throughout the season. One of the original teams in this league was force to depart halfway through the season they were replaced by the youngsters of the Buffet Boys. This left the Buffet Boys with a only few games to play, and so qualification would always prove difficult. The Englishmen did, however, manage to turn over high flying Old Xavarians, with an impressive 47 from dashing batsmen Oneil Lindo seeing them home.

A shock came late in the season when undefeated Old Dilworthians were forced to pull out of the league due to all there players being away on holiday for the rest of season. This left a qualifying space open, and the resurgent Rams seized this opportunity with both hands. Indeed, their win over Buffet Boys turned out to be the key victory for the Aussies, and they followed this up by beating The Plucky Mofo's in comfortable fashion. It has been a trend of the Rams to have a 'hit-out or get-out' approach to batting this season, usually resulting in lower totals than they are capable of. Batsmen Ryan Day has epitomised this style, but has managed to consistently score quick runs throughout the season, giving me great entertainment all the way. The potent new-ball attack of Smith and Fletcher has allowed the Rams to play in this fashion, with early wickets almost guaranteed many teams have failed to recover from these early set backs.

Old Xavarians will top the group, and will fancy their chances in the semi finals. The side have Richard Mcintosh to thank for his late season form with the bat, and his calmness under pressure has seen the team home for a couple of valuable victories. It has been a frustrating season for The Plucky Mofo's who have been unlucky in not picking up a victory. The side have been involved in tight games but something has always gone wrong at the last to deny them. Special mentions must go to Kosta Kapinkoff for his powerful hitting, which included a six over the trees! By far the biggest seen in Clapham this season. Another mention must go to Sam Smart, who has perhaps been the most consistent bowler in the league.
 
Thanks to all involved for making it an extremely enjoyable season.
 
Semi Finals
 
Monday 4th Aug - 12th Men v The Rams
 
Tuesday 5th - Things arent as dim as they sim v Old Xavarians
 
Wednesday 6th  - 3rd place play-off
 
Thursday 7th - The Final
 
NOTE: The two finalists advance to the Champions League. The winner of 3rd place play-off advances to Champions League qualifiers.essentially one league. The best two teams from each league will be qualify for the semi final and final matches. The champions of Clapham will quailfy for the champions league.

david@lastmanstands.com ( 07776030254)